Northminster Family,
In our Winter Book Study on Wednesday nights we’ve begun reading Kate Bowler’s
Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I’ve Loved
. You can read more about the book and the book study in the sections below, but I wanted to share just a taste of the book with you, especially for those who won’t be able to join us for the study. As Bowler struggles with her own medical crises, culminating in a Stage IV colon cancer diagnosis at age 35, she reflects on her years of scholarly work observing the strain of Christianity some call the “prosperity gospel,” a tradition that claims if you pray hard enough, give enough money, and think all the right thoughts, no problem is beyond your control – God will personally help you overcome it. She begins to recognize that this kind of thinking has seeped its way into the broader culture, so that even folks (like the author) who have turned up their nose at the more extreme promises the prosperity gospel makes still find themselves assuming they have a measure of control over their lives…until they don’t. And it all falls apart. And where is God, then?
It’s from this recognition that Bowler makes this observation, and I hope it’s one that will carry you as it has carried me this week:
“What would it mean for Christians to give up that little piece of the American Dream that says, "You are limitless"? Everything is not possible. The mighty kingdom of God is not yet here. What if 'rich' did not have to mean 'wealthy', and 'whole' did not have to mean 'healed'? What if being the people of "the gospel" meant that we are simply people with good news? God is here. We are loved. It is enough.”
Family of God, may you carry that peace with you, despite whatever struggles you face this week, knowing that you are certainly
not
in control, and you may not receive what you seek. And yet, by God's grace, even so:
God is here.
We are loved.
It is enough.
Peace,
Claire
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Prayers of the People
An opportunity to celebrate and pray alongside siblings in our community.
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We pray alongside...
Josh and Brian Evans as they grieve the death of Josh's aunt Dianna Hodge, while also preparing for Josh's back surgery on Monday.
We celebrate alongside...
Claire Helton's brother, who received the surprising news this week that he will not need the kidney transplant his doctors had expected, as his treatment appears to be working.
Mark Windham
(31st),
Jon Caron
(Feb 1st), and
Mike Cappel
(2nd) as they celebrate their birthdays.
If you have concerns and celebrations you would like us to add to the newsletter, please call the church office or email
office@northmin.org.
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The Work of the People
How we are responding to the Spirit of Love
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Winter Book Study Continues
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This month we continue our study of Kate Bowler's
Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved for our Winter Book Study. We'll gather
on Wednesday nights at 5:30 to tackle this readable memoir of personal grief and the pain that bad theology can layer on top of it. Please note that the book deals with the author's experiences with cancer and with infertility, so if these are triggering subjects for you this may not be the best season for you to encounter this book.
Remaining Dates & Readings
February 5: Ch. 4-5
February 12: Ch. 6-7
February 19: Ch. 8-9 (and appendices)
Feel free to join us for any or all of these gatherings.
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Northminster Book Club:
Educated, by Tara Westover
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The Northminster Book Club is currently reading
Educated by Tara Westover for our February 6 meeting.
Educated is the stunning memoir of a woman growing up in a fundamentalist, survivalist Mormon family in the mountains. It touches on unhealthy family dynamics, religious trauma, the power of shame, the importance of education and perspective, and the path to healing in a way that many of us can relate to, even if our circumstances have not been as extreme as those of the author.
If you haven't finished yet, go read! And then come join us for dinner and conversation on February 6. February's meeting will be held in the home of Mark Windham.
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January Mission Trunk: Humane Society
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The Humane Society Adoption Center of Monroe is dedicated to the welfare of all animals because of their intrinsic value and rights. Our primary purposes are the prevention of cruelty to animals, the relief of suffering among animals, the extension of humane education, and the provision of shelter-based services. Needs: Dog treats (no rawhides), puppy, kitten, dog, and cat food (canned or dry), all stock livestock food, hay and shelled corn, pine sol, lysol spray, dry shampoo, first aid supplies, old bath towels, sheets, blankets.
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A New Way to Give to Northminster
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Starting this week, we'll include a QR code (seen here) in the insert in the Order of Worship as a new and easy way to give. Simply by taking out your phone, opening your camera, and pointing it at the QR code, you'll be taken to our PayPal page where you can give a one time or recurring gift to support the ministries and mission of Northminster.
Go ahead and try it now!
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Holy Ideas
How might we respond to the Spirit of Love?
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The following are currently on the Holy Ideas board in the hallway. If you'd like to support an idea and help it become reality, be sure to stop by and sign your name to it. If you have questions, email the sponsor of the idea.
If the idea gets the support it needs (3 signatures) by the expiration date, the supporters will meet with the appropriate commission to clarify and refine the idea into a specific, time-limited plan.
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No submissions at this time.
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No submissions at this time.
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No submissions at this time.
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No submissions at this time.
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For more opportunities to get involved, check the hallway table and bulletin boards.
If you'd like information on getting involved in leadership commissions or Sunday School groups, you can
click here
.
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To support Northminster financially, you can
click here
or scan the QR code below.
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Around Town
How can we be present in our community?
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ULM VAPA PRESENTS:
The Music of André Thomas
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On
February 11 at 7:30pm in Brown Auditorium on the campus of ULM. composer André Thomas will join with the Bayou,MasterWorks Chorus , the ULM Concert Choir and the Mississippi State Chamber Singers and conduct several of his compositions. The concert is free. See Debi Chandler for tickets to the Conductor's Gala following the performance.
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Sunday 2/2
9am - Choir rehearsal
10am - Sunday School
10:45am - Musical Preludes
11am - Call to Worship
3pm - Immigration meeting
Wednesday 2/5
5:30pm - Winter Book Study
6:30pm - Choir rehearsal
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Worship This Week
The text for this week is:
- Micah 6:1-8
- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
- Matthew 5:1-12
Sunday's sermon will be preached by
Zachary Helton.
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February
1st Northminster Parents Dinner 5:30pm
3rd Immigration Meeting at 3pm
5th Outreach Commission meeting 6:30pm
6th Northminster Book Club
25th Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
26th Ash Wednesday Service
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March
7th Northminster Parents Dinner
4th Lent Book Study Begins
13th-14th Daughters of Eve Production Weekend
29th Movie Night
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Ongoing
Daughters of Eve rehearsals:
Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Winter Book Study:
Feb. 5, 12, 19
Lent Book Study:
Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25, Apr. 1
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